SWEET SHOTS FROM THE SANCTUARY GC: Great Egret

The
Great Egret, next to the White Ibis, may be one of the most commonly
observed wading birds here on Sanibel and Captiva. The tall, graceful
Great Egret is a wader of the quiet waters all around Southwest
Florida throughout the entire year. It is certainly smaller than the
Great Blue Heron with bright white feathers throughout, a yellow bill
and black legs. The Great Egret was nearly wiped out in the late
1800's due to the plume trade, but this bird made a great comeback
after early Conservationists put a stop to the slaughter and
protected it's colonies. The Great Egret became the symbol of the
National Audubon Society after its successful resurgence.

It's
diet consists of mostly fish but is also often seen walking along
hedgerows and atop trees and shrubs where it can graze on frogs,
anoles, grasshoppers and small snakes. During the breeding season, as
is the Great Egret photographed here, long feathery plumes grow from
it's back, called aigrettes, which they hold up during courtship
displays . In addition, a patch of skin on it's face turns neon green
during the breeding season.

Enjoy
this beautiful wading bird which you are sure to see on any trip
around our islands.

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